Light source support device, lighting device, and liquid crystal display

ABSTRACT

A fastener member that attaches via a through hole of a reflector plate is fabricated from a coloured material to prevent light emitted by a light source from passing through the material of a light source support or the through hole provided in the reflector plate and permeating to the side of the reflector plate opposite the side on which the light source is disposed, thereby solving the problem of light emitted by a light source passing through material of a light source support or a through hole provided in a reflector plate and permeating to the side of the reflector plate opposite the side on which the light source is disposed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus that supports a lightsource, which can be used, for example, in a lighting apparatus used asa backlight apparatus of a liquid crystal display.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, some extremely large liquid crystal displays have beendeveloped. In such kinds of liquid crystal displays, a backlight is usedin which fluorescent tubes are disposed in parallel to a liquid crystalpanel.

In order to fabricate a large-size liquid crystal display, by necessitythe fluorescent tubes used in the backlight must be of an extendedlength. However, even though the displays are large they are alsorequired to be of a small thickness, and therefore fluorescent tubeshaving a cross section of a small first diameter have come to be used aslight sources. For this reason, when the fluorescent tubes disposed inparallel are supported only at both ends, the problem arises that thesupport strength for the fluorescent tubes is insufficient, resulting indeformation and breakage.

Therefore to enhance the strength of support for the fluorescent tubes alight source support that supports the middle part of a fluorescent tubeis required. An example of such kind of light source support isdescribed in JP Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2001-210126 A. Thetechnology described in this publication will hereafter be describedreferring to FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 is an installation drawing of a light source support 50described in the above publication. In FIG. 12, light source support 50comprises a support member 52 of a segment-shaped grip form having anopening in one part to retain the circumference of the circular sectionof a light source 51, and a fastener member 53 maintaining light sourcesupport 50 on a reflector plate 54 via a through hole 55 provided inreflector plate 54.

Further, light source support 50 is fabricated from flexible transparentmaterial, and by using this to support the middle part of a fluorescenttube, deformation and damage of the fluorescent tube are prevented, andfurthermore, the occurrence of a decline in display brightness or ofbrightness inconsistencies in a liquid crystal display are alsoprevented.

However, while light source support 50 disclosed in the aboveconventional art is effective in preventing deformation or damage to afluorescent tube and also in preventing declines in display brightnessor inconsistencies in brightness in a liquid crystal display, because itis also disposed penetrating through reflector plate 54 in addition tobeing formed from transparent material, a problem arises that lightirradiated from a light source passes through the light source supportmaterial or the through hole provided in the reflector plate andpermeates to the side of the reflector plate opposite the side on whichthe light source is disposed.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, to solve the above problem, the present invention provides alight source support having a support member supporting a light source,and a fastener member, wherein, by inserting the fastener member into athrough hole provided in a mounting plate, the light source supported bythe support member is attached to the mounting plate, characterized inthat the support member is fabricated from transparent material and thefastener member is fabricated from coloured material. By fabricating thelight source support in this manner it is possible to prevent lightemitted from a light source from permeating to the side of the mountingplate opposite the light source.

Further, the present invention provides a light source support having asupport member supporting a light source, and a fastener member,wherein, by inserting the fastener member into a through hole providedin a mounting plate, the light source supported by the support member isattached to the mounting plate, characterized in that the light sourcesupport is fabricated from transparent material and provided with ameans for preventing light transmission that prevents light emitted fromthe light source from permeating via the through hole to the side of themounting plate opposite to the light source side. By fabricating thelight source support in this manner it is possible to prevent lightemitted from a light source from permeating to the side of the mountingplate opposite the light source.

At this time, since the production process may become complicated whenelements of a plurality of colours are fabricated into an integratedwhole, the means for preventing light transmission comprises a colouredmembrane provided on the surface of the side of the fastener memberopposite the side on which the light source is disposed.

Similarly, according to another aspect of the invention, the means forpreventing light transmission comprises a cover covering a partprotruding from the mounting plate when the fastener member of the lightsource support is attached to the mounting plate. When fabricated inthis manner, the light source support may be fabricated in a singlecolour to enable low cost production.

According to another aspect of the present invention the fastener memberis disposed in a position facing a light source supported by the supportmember. When fabricated in this manner, a coloured fastener member isnot noticeable since it cannot be viewed from the light source side, andwhen this light source support is used in a lighting apparatus requiringplanar, uniform light, brightness inconsistencies caused by a colouredfastener member can be prevented.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a lightsource support fabricated from transparent material and comprising abase, a support member supporting a light source provided on one side ofthe base, and a member for fastening provided on the other side of thebase, characterized in that by fastening a coloured fastening means tothe member for fastening via a through hole provided in a mountingplate, the base is fastened to the mounting plate. By fabricating thelight source support in this manner, it is possible to prevent lightemitted from a light source from permeating to the side of the mountingplate opposite the light source.

According to a further aspect of the present invention the hole formounting is disposed in a position facing the light source supported bythe support member. When the light source support is fabricated in thismanner, a coloured fastener means is not noticeable since it cannot beviewed from the light source side, and when this light source support isused in a lighting apparatus requiring planar, uniform light, brightnessinconsistencies caused by a coloured fastener member can be prevented.

According to a still further aspect, the present invention provides alight source support, characterized in that, in the above light sourcesupport, a protrusion provided in a condition protruding further on thelight source side than the light source is provided in an integratedfashion. When the light source support is fabricated in this manner, ifan optical member such as a diffusion plate is disposed on the side of alight source opposite a reflector plate in the light source support, theamount of warping of the optical member can be controlled by means ofthe protrusion.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a lightingapparatus comprising a light source support, a light source supported bythe support member of the light source support, and, as the mountingplate, a reflector plate reflecting light emitted from the light source.

According to a still further aspect, the present invention provides alighting apparatus characterized by comprising a light source support, alight source supported by the support member of the light sourcesupport, a reflector plate reflecting light emitted from the lightsource as the mounting plate, a diffusion plate provided in thedirection opposite the direction in which the reflector plate isdisposed with respect to the light source and diffusing and transmittinglight emitted from the light source, and a protrusion comprised as anintegrated part of the light source support and provided in a conditionprotruding towards the diffusion plate.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a liquidcrystal display apparatus characterized by having the above lightingapparatus and a liquid crystal panel provided on the side of thediffusion plate opposite the side on which the light source is disposed.

This specification includes part or all of the contents as disclosed inthe specification of Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-152180, whichis a priority document of the present application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a cross section of the light source support of the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a cross section of a case where the light source support ofFIG. 1A is attached to a reflector plate and a light source is supportedby the light source support.

FIG. 2A is a cross section of the light source support of the secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a cross section of a case where the light source support ofFIG. 2A is attached to a reflector plate and a light source is supportedby the light source support.

FIG. 3A, B are cross sections of the case where the support member andfastener member of the second embodiment are singularized.

FIG. 4A shows a schematic elevation of the lighting apparatus of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4B is a schematic cross section of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A, B are cross sections showing a modified form of the secondembodiment, corresponding FIG. 3A, B.

FIG. 6A is a cross section of the light source support of the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a cross section of a case where the light source support ofFIG. 6A is attached to a reflector plate and a light source is supportedby the light source support.

FIG. 7A is a cross section of the light source support of the fourthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a cross section of a case where the light source support ofFIG. 7A is attached to a reflector plate and a light source is supportedby the light source support.

FIG. 8A is a cross section of the light source support of the fifthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a cross section of a case where the light source support ofFIG. 8A is attached to a reflector plate and a light source is supportedby the light source support.

FIG. 9A is a cross section of the light source support of the sixthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a cross section of a case where the light source support ofFIG. 9A is attached to a reflector plate and a light source is supportedby the light source support.

FIG. 10 is a cross section of a case where the sixth embodiment is usedin a lighting apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a cross section of a case where the sixth embodiment of thepresent invention is used in a liquid crystal display apparatus.

FIG. 12 is an installation drawing of the light source support of theconventional art.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The first embodiment of the present invention will now be describedreferring to FIG. 1. FIG. 1A shows a cross section of a light sourcesupport of the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1Bshows a cross section of a case where the light source support of (a) isattached to a reflector plate and a light source is supported by thelight source support.

In each embodiment herein, description is provided for examples in whicha fluorescent tube is used as a light source and a reflector plate isused as a mounting plate.

Referring to FIG. 1, a light source support 1 is formed by, on a base 4,a support member 2 to support a circular fluorescent tube 5, and afastener member 3 provided on the side of base 4 opposite the side onwhich support member 2 is disposed.

Support member 2 is made from transparent material, and a cross sectionthereof is a shape having a notch cut in one part of an arc, such thatwhen fluorescent tube 5 is inserted into the notched positionfluorescent tube 5 can be fixed to support member 2.

Further, fastener member 3 is made from coloured material, and the base4 side thereof comprises a neck part 3 a having a diameter slightlysmaller than that of a through hole 7 provided in a reflector plate 6,and a head part 3 b having a diameter larger than that of through hole7. When fastener member 3 is attached to through hole 7, neck part 3 afits into through hole 7 and head part 3 b contacts against the surfaceof the side opposite the side of reflector plate 6 on which the lightsource is disposed, thereby preventing light source support 1 fromcoming off and falling from reflector plate 6.

Further, as with support member 2, base 4 is made from transparentmaterial and acts as a mounting for support member 2.

When fluorescent tube 5 is attached to reflector plate 6 by means oflight source support 1 and lit using the above configuration, lightemitted from fluorescent tube 5 is irradiated towards the side on whichfluorescent tube 5 is disposed more than towards reflector plate 6, andbecause fastener member 3 is coloured almost no light passes through tothe side opposite the side of reflector plate 6 on which fluorescenttube 5 is disposed, and thus the above problem of the example of theconventional art can be solved.

However, as seen in FIG. 1, when the configuration is such that fastenermember 3 is not hidden behind fluorescent tube 5 when viewed from theside opposite the side on which the reflector plate is disposed withrespect to fluorescent tube 5, only the part where the coloured fastenermember is present is darkened. Accordingly, in a case where uniformlight is required such as, for example, for a backlight apparatus of aliquid crystal display, the concern arises that when using the abovelight source support 1, partially dark locations will be generated andwhat can be considered a satisfactory lighting situation will not beobtained.

Therefore, in the second embodiment an improved example of the abovelight source support is described. The second embodiment is configuredas illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cross section of the light source support of thesecond embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a crosssection of a case where the light source support of FIG. 2A is attachedto a reflector plate and a light source is supported by the light sourcesupport.

To avoid duplicate description, only the point in which the secondembodiment differs from the first embodiment will be described. Thesecond embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that fastenermember 3 and support member 2 are configured such that fastener member 3is in a position that is hidden behind fluorescent tube 5 when fastenermember 3 is viewed from the side opposite the side on which thereflector plate is disposed with respect to fluorescent tube 5. Morespecifically, fluorescent tube 5 supported by support member 2, andfastener member 3 are disposed facing each other and sandwiching base 4.

By adopting this configuration, a coloured fastener member is notnoticeable when viewed from the side opposite the side on which thereflector plate is disposed with respect to fluorescent tube 5, and in acase where uniform light is required such as, for example, for abacklight apparatus of a liquid crystal display, it is possible toprevent the occurrence of patches of dark areas.

Herein, for both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 of embodiment 1 and embodiment 2 ofthe present invention, description is made for the case where aplurality of support member 2 and fastener member 3 are provided.However, the invention is not limited to a case where a plurality ofsupport member 2 and fastener member 3 are provided, and only one eachof support member 2 and fastener member 3 may be provided. The same alsoapplies for each embodiment described hereafter. Further, when only oneof each member is provided, as shown in FIG. 3, base 4 may be eliminatedand a configuration in which fastener member 3 is directly attached tosupport member 2 may be employed.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, an example is described in which the secondembodiment is applied to a lighting apparatus. FIG. 4A shows a schematicelevation of the lighting apparatus of the present invention, and FIG.4B shows a schematic cross section of FIG. 4A.

In FIG. 4, a lighting apparatus 15 consists of a plurality offluorescent tubes 5 connected to a driving apparatus (not shown in thefigure) that are attached to a reflector plate 6 by means of the lightsource support illustrated in the second embodiment. Reflector plate 6is disposed facing the plurality of fluorescent tubes 5, and a frame 21is attached thereto to fix lighting apparatus 15 to another element, andspecific examples thereof include the surface of an aluminum platecoated with a high reflectivity coating, or the surface of an aluminumplate faced with a high reflectivity sheet.

By adopting the above configuration, when fluorescent tube 5 is lit by adriving apparatus, because fastener member 3 is coloured, light emittedby fluorescent tube 5 does not permeate in the direction opposite theside of reflector plate 6 on which fluorescent tube 5 is disposed(direction of arrow C in FIG. 4B), and moreover, when fluorescent tube 5is viewed from the side of fluorescent tube 5 opposite fastener member 3(i.e., the direction of arrow B in FIG. 4B), fastener member 3 is hiddenby fluorescent tube 5. Accordingly, because the coloured part is behindfluorescent tube 5 no dark place of low reflectivity exists, and alighting apparatus can be provided having uniform luminescence with fewinconsistencies in brightness.

In the above first embodiment and the second embodiment, the boundary ofdiffering colours for fastener member 3 and base 4 may not necessarilybe distinct, and moreover, as shown in FIG. 5, one part of base 4 may becoloured the same as fastener member 3. Further, even in this case, whenfluorescent tube 5 and a coloured part are disposed to face each otherwith respect to base 4, such that the coloured part is hidden byfluorescent tube 5 when fluorescent tube 5 is viewed from the side offluorescent tube 5 opposite fastener member 3, uniform luminescence withfew inconsistencies in brightness can be provided, as in the aboveexample.

In the above, examples are described in which a light source support isformed as one unit comprising a plurality of colours. However, aconfiguration having a similar effect is not limited to a case offorming the light source support as one unit.

Next, an embodiment in the case where a plurality of colours are notformed into one unit will be described by way of the third, fourth, andfifth embodiments.

The third embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6A shows across section of the light source support of the third embodiment of thepresent invention, and FIG. 6B shows a cross section for a case wherethe light source support of (a) is attached to a reflector plate and alight source is supported by the light source support.

To avoid duplicate description, only the point in which this thirdembodiment differs from the second embodiment will be described. In thesecond embodiment, fastener member 3 is formed from coloured material.In contrast, in the third embodiment a difference from the secondembodiment is that fastener member 3 is transparent, as with supportmember 2 and base 4, and a coloured membrane 13 is added on the surfaceof the side of the transparent fastener member 3 opposite the side onwhich fluorescent tube 5 is disposed. A specific means for forming thismembrane 13 includes, for example, coating with a coloured material,metal plating, attaching coloured tape, and the like.

Further, FIG. 7A shows a cross section of the light source support ofthe fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7B shows across section for a case in which the light source support of (a) isattached to a reflector plate and a light source is supported by thelight source support.

To avoid duplicate description, only the points in which this fourthembodiment differs from the second embodiment will be described. In thesecond embodiment fastener member 3 is formed from coloured material. Incontrast, in the fourth embodiment a difference from the secondembodiment is that fastener member 3 is transparent, as with supportmember 2 and base 4. Furthermore, fastener member 3 comprises a screw 14having an outer diameter smaller than through hole 7 provided inreflector plate 6, and after inserting fastener member 3 through thethrough hole 7 of reflector plate 6, light source support 2 is attachedto reflector plate 6 by screwing a colored cover 16 fabricated in a formthat is at least larger than the outer circumference of through hole 7.

Specific examples of cover 16 include one fabricated from coloured resinmaterial or metal material.

Further, FIG. 8A shows a cross section of the light source support ofthe fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B shows a crosssection for a case in which the light source support of FIG. 8A isattached to a reflector plate and a light source is supported by thelight source support.

To avoid duplicate description, for this fifth embodiment also, only thepoints in which it differs from the second embodiment will be described.While in the second embodiment fastener member 3 is coloured, adifference in the fifth embodiment is that fastener member 3 iseliminated and a member for fastening 17 is provided in the position ofbase 4 in which fastener member 3 is attached in the second embodiment,and after inserting a coloured fastening means 18 through the throughhole 7 of reflector plate 6, fastening means 18 is fastened to memberfor fastening 17.

Specific examples of the above member for fastening 17 and fasteningmeans 18 include a screw hole as an example of member for fastening 17and a coloured (may be metal or resin) screw as an example of fasteningmeans 18, however the examples are not limited thereto.

As described above, when fabricated as described in the third, fourthand fifth embodiments, as in the second embodiment it is possible toprevent light from permeating to the side opposite the side of reflectorplate 6 on which fluorescent tube 5 is disposed, and also, in a casewhere uniform light is required, such as, for example, for a backlightapparatus of a liquid crystal display, it is possible to prevent theoccurrence of partly dark areas. Accordingly, even when the third,fourth or fifth embodiment is applied to the above example of applyingthe second embodiment to a lighting apparatus, a lighting apparatusproviding uniform brightness with few inconsistencies can be provided.Further, since a plurality of colours are not integrated into one unit,the production process is simplified.

For the third, fourth, and fifth embodiments, examples were illustratedin which a modification was added to one part of the second embodiment,and a similar modification can also be applied to the first embodiment.In this case also, as with the first embodiment light can be preventedfrom permeating to the side opposite the side of reflector plate 6 onwhich fluorescent tube 5 is disposed.

A further improvement can be added to the first to fifth embodimentsdescribed above. Specifically, in the case of a lighting apparatusrequiring uniform light, such as, for example, a backlight apparatus ofa liquid crystal display, a diffusion plate 7 (see FIG. 10) to diffuselight emitted from fluorescent tube 5 as planar, uniform light may bedisposed on the side of fluorescent tube 5 opposite reflector plate 6.However, this diffusion plate 7 may sometimes warp due to receiving theeffects of heat or humidity from fluorescent tube 5. If the extent ofsuch warping is significant, the problem arises that the light-diffusingeffect, which is the function of diffusion plate 7, is diminished, and acondition of planar, uniform lighting is no longer achieved.

Therefore, a means for preventing warping of diffusion plate 7 isrequired, and by integrating this means for preventing warping into thefirst to fifth embodiments, warping of diffusion plate 7 can beprevented without increasing the number of component parts of theembodiments.

As an embodiment in this case, the sixth embodiment will be described asan improved example of the second embodiment referring to FIG. 9. FIG.9A is a cross section of the light source support of the sixthembodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a cross section fora case where the light source support of FIG. 9A is attached to areflector plate and a light source is supported by the light sourcesupport.

To avoid duplicate description, only the modification added from thesecond embodiment will be described for the sixth embodiment also. Themodification is as follows. As a means for preventing warping ofdiffusion plate 7, from the surface of the side of base 4 on whichsupport member 2 is disposed, a truncated cone-like protrusion 8 isformed that protrudes from a side of fluorescent tube 5 retained bysupport member 2 that is most opposite base 4.

An example when this light source support is used in lighting apparatus15 is formed as illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 shows a cross section oflighting apparatus 15.

Regarding FIG. 10, the differences from the example of applying thesecond embodiment to lighting apparatus 15 illustrated in FIG. 4 arethat the sixth embodiment is applied in place of the second embodiment,and that a diffusion plate 7 is provided facing fluorescent tube 5 thatdiffuses light to the side opposite the side on which reflector plate 6is disposed.

By configuring lighting apparatus 15 in the above manner, a lightingapparatus can be fabricated at low cost in which light does not permeateto the side of reflector plate 6 opposite the fluorescent tube 5 side,and in which even if diffusion plate 7 warps to the fluorescent tube 5side the warping is controlled by protrusion 8.

Further, an example using this lighting apparatus 15 in a liquid crystaldisplay apparatus 20 is shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows, as additions tothe lighting apparatus illustrated in FIG. 10, a liquid crystal panel 10provided on the side of diffusion plate 7 opposite the side on whichreflector plate 6 is disposed, a driving apparatus (not shown in thefigure) for liquid crystal panel 10, and an optical sheet 9 disposedbetween liquid crystal panel 10 and diffusion plate 7, which areretained by a frame 11.

No specific description is made herein regarding the above optical sheet9, liquid crystal panel 10 and frame 11, as they can be applied byappropriately combining known techniques.

Forming the apparatus in the manner described above not only eliminatesthe problem concerning light permeating to the side of reflector plate 6opposite the fluorescent tube 5 side, but also means brightnessinconsistencies on the display of liquid crystal panel 10 caused by acoloured fastener member 3 are not generated, and moreover, brightnessinconsistencies caused by warping of diffusion plate 7 do not arise.Thus it is possible to provide liquid crystal display apparatus 20having a favourable lighting condition with no brightnessinconsistencies over a long period.

The above descriptions concerned cases in which fluorescent tube 5 isused as a light source, however even in cases using other light sources,such as, for example, an LED, the above light source support can exhibita similar effect. Further, it is clear that the light source supportsdescribed in each embodiment can be respectively applied to a lightingapparatus and a liquid crystal display apparatus.

Furthermore, concerning the example of support member 2, whileexplanation was made only regarding cases where support member 2 isfabricated from transparent material and the cross section thereof formsa shape having a notch cut in one part of an arc, it is obvious thatsuitable modifications can be added thereto to match the shape of alight source. Further, with regard to other configurations also, theyare not limited to the above examples and suitable modifications can beadded in accordance with a design.

All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, according to the present invention it is possible toprevent light emitted from a light source from permeating to the side ofa mounting plate opposite the light source.

Further, the fastener member is disposed in a position facing a lightsource supported by the support member. By adopting this configuration,when the light source is viewed from the side opposite the mountingplate, because the fastener member is disposed behind the light source,the fastener member is not noticeable even when, for example, thefastener member is made from coloured materials.

In addition, for a light source support fabricated from transparentmaterial and comprising a base, a support member supporting a lightsource provided on one side of the base, and a member for fasteningprovided on the other side of the base, when a light source supportfastening the base to the mounting plate is made by attaching a colouredfastening means to the member for fastening via a through hole providedin a mounting plate, the light source support can be fabricated easilybecause the light source support is not made in a plurality of colours,and moreover, because a fastener member is not previously integratedinto the base.

Furthermore, in this case also, if the member for fastening is disposedin a position facing a light source supported by the support member,when the light source is viewed from the side opposite the mountingplate, because the fastener member is disposed behind the light source,the fastener member is not noticeable even if the fastener member iscoloured.

In addition, there is provided a light source support characterized bycomprising as one unit a light source support and a protrusion providedin a condition protruding further on the light source side than thelight source. According to this configuration, even in a case where amember disposed on the side opposite the fastener member with respect toa light source warps towards the light source side, the amount of suchwarping can be controlled by the protrusion.

Furthermore, there is provided a lighting apparatus comprising a lightsource support, a light source supported by the support member of thelight source support, and, as the above mounting plate, a reflectorplate that reflects light emitted from the light source. According tothis configuration, when the lighting apparatus is viewed from theopposite side with respect to a light source on which the reflectorplate is disposed, light does not leak from behind the reflector plate.

Further, there is provided a lighting apparatus comprising a lightsource support, a light source supported by the support member of thelight source support, a reflector plate as the above mounting plate,that reflects light emitted from the light source, a diffusion platethat diffuses and transmits light emitted from the light source andwhich is provided in the direction opposite to the direction in whichthe reflector plate is disposed with respect to the light source, and aprotrusion integrated as one piece into the light source support andprovided in a condition protruding towards the diffusion plate.According to this configuration, a lighting apparatus can be providedthat regulates the amount of warping even when a diffusion plate iswarped, to provide uniform planar light.

Furthermore, there is provided a liquid crystal display apparatuscharacterized by having the above lighting apparatus, and a liquidcrystal panel provided on the side of the diffusion plate opposite theside on which a light source is disposed. According to thisconfiguration, not only does light not permeate to the side of thereflector plate opposite the side on which the light source is disposed,but moreover, since brightness inconsistencies caused by warping of thediffusion plate do not occur, the brightness emitted from the displayscreen of the liquid crystal display apparatus can be made uniform.

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 14. A light source supportapparatus comprising: a support portion for supporting a light source;and a locking portion, wherein said light source supported by saidsupport portion can be attached to a mount plate by mounting saidlocking portion in a through-hole provided in said mount plate, andwherein said support portion is made of a transparent material and saidlocking portion is made of a colored material.
 15. The light-sourcesupport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said locking portion isdisposed at a position opposed to said light source supported by saidsupport portion.
 16. The light-source support apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising a protrusion integrally formed on the sideof said light source such that it extends beyond said light source. 17.The light-source support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidmount plate comprises a reflecting plate.
 18. A lighting apparatuscomprising: the light-source support apparatus according to claim 1; anda light source supported by said support portion of said light-sourcesupport apparatus, wherein said mount plate comprises a reflecting platefor reflecting light emitted by said light source.
 19. A liquid-crystaldisplay apparatus comprising the lighting apparatus according to claim5, and a liquid-crystal panel.
 20. A light-source support apparatuscomprising: a support portion for supporting a light source; and alocking portion, wherein said light source supported by said supportportion can be attached to a mount plate by mounting said lockingportion in a through-hole provided in said mount plate, and wherein saidsupport portion is made of a transparent material, said light-sourcesupport apparatus further comprising: a light-transmission preventingmeans for preventing light emitted by said light source from beingtransmitted, via said through-hole, to the side of said mount plate thatis opposite to the side of said light source.
 21. The light-sourcesupport apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said light-transmissionpreventing means comprises a colored coating provided on the surface ofsaid locking portion on the side opposite to the side on which saidlight source is disposed.
 22. The light-source support apparatusaccording to claim 7, wherein said light-transmission preventing meanscomprises a cover member that covers a portion of said locking memberthat juts out of said mount plate when said light-source supportapparatus is mounted on said mount plate.
 23. The light-source supportapparatus according to claim 7, wherein said locking portion is disposedat a position opposed to said light source supported by said supportportion.
 24. The light-source support apparatus according to claim 7,further comprising a protrusion integrally formed on the side of saidlight source such that it extends beyond said light source.
 25. Thelight-source support apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said mountplate comprises a reflecting plate.
 26. A lighting apparatus comprising:the light-source support apparatus according to claim 7; and a lightsource supported by said support portion of said light-source supportapparatus, wherein said mount plate comprises a reflecting plate forreflecting light emitted by said light source.
 27. A liquid-crystaldisplay apparatus comprising said lighting apparatus according to claim13, and a liquid-crystal panel.
 28. A light-source support apparatuscomprising: a support portion for supporting a light source; and alocking portion, wherein said light-source support apparatus istransparently formed, said light-source support apparatus furthercomprising: a colored locking means for covering a portion of saidlocking portion that juts out of said mount plate when said lockingportion is mounted in a through-hole provided in said mount plate. 29.The light-source support apparatus according to claim 15, wherein saidlocking portion is disposed at a position opposed to said light sourcesupported by said support portion.
 30. A light-source support apparatuscomprising: a base portion; a support portion for supporting a lightsource provided on one side of said base portion; and a locked portionprovided on the other side of said base portion, wherein said baseportion is adapted to be mounted on a mount plate by causing a lockingmeans to be locked on said locked portion via a through-hole provided insaid mount plate, such that the light emitted by said light source canbe prevented from being transmitted via said through-hole.
 31. Thelight-source support apparatus according to claim 17, wherein saidlocked portion is disposed at a position opposed to said light sourcesupported by said support portion.
 32. The light-source supportapparatus according to claim 17, further comprising a protrusionintegrally formed on the side of said light source such that it extendsbeyond said light source.
 33. The light-source support apparatusaccording to claim 17, wherein said mount plate comprises a reflectingplate.
 34. A lighting apparatus comprising: said light-source supportapparatus according to claim 17; and a light source supported by saidsupport portion of said light-source support apparatus, wherein saidmount plate comprises a reflecting plate for reflecting light emitted bysaid light source.
 35. A liquid-crystal display apparatus comprisingsaid lighting apparatus according to claim 21, and a liquid-crystalpanel.